ACE platform for Bentley field enters pre-FEED phase

Arup is working with Xcite Energy Resources Plc, Amec Group Ltd. and Aibel AS to optimise its ACE platform design for the Bentley Oil Field located in the UK Sector of the Northern North Sea.

The project has now moved into the Pre-FEED (Preliminary Front End Engineering Design) stage following the successful completion of the conceptual design and assurance scopes of work.

Arup explains that its existing ACE platform design was selected by Xcite due to the innovative concept having a proven analogue to the Bentley Field application in addition to its ease of installation and removal.

According to Arup, the platform is able to install quickly and efficiently without the requirement for a specialist heavy lift vessel which reduces the overall schedule uncertainty and project risk whilst having the ability to be easily decommissioned at the end of field life – making it an environmentally sensitive and cost-effective solution.

This is Arup’s fifth generation of the ACE platform, with three units operating globally since 2001. The fourth unit has completed detailed engineering design and is currently being fabricated locally for Shell Philippines Exploration B.V. for installation offshore Palawan on the Malampaya Field as a Depletion Compression Platform. The third unit delivered is the analogue for the Bentley Field; this unit has been successfully operating for OMV on the Maari Field since 2008.

The Bentley Field is located on the East Shetland Platform in the UK Northern North Sea. The oil field is one of the largest undeveloped fields in the North Sea and will deliver over 35 years of predictable production.

In addition to Xcite, Amec and Aibel, Arup is working with Teekay Shipping Norway AS and other key stakeholders to create an innovative infrastructure based development concept for the Bentley Field, based on proven technologies for the drilling, production, storage and offloading of the oil which reduce the overall project risk profile.

“The Bentley Field is a major asset for the UK but the harsh weather conditions can make the installation of production facilities difficult and expensive. The self-installing ACE platform is a proven and safe, environmentally sensitive, efficient, and cost effective solution. Arup is looking forward to continuing working with Xcite and all the stakeholders, to support the engineering, construction and installation of the Bentley Field ACE platform and being part of this strategic project delivering North Sea Oil for over 35 years,” says Rob Duffin, Oil and Gas Leader at Arup.